New Chiefs deal for Norey

Exeter Chiefs hooker Max Norey has become the latest member of the pack to agree a contract extension.

The Chiefs academy graduate has weathered recent injury bouts to return to action in the recent PREM Rugby Cup block and now has his sights set on continuing to amass Chiefs appearances.

Norey said: “I’m really excited to be staying at Chiefs. I get to play and train each week with some really good mates, and I’ve started my own little family here in Exeter.

“I’ve had a couple tough injuries but I’m excited to be back on the pitch and contributing to the team. I’ve experienced success with the club before and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to try to fight for more trophies with Chiefs.”

Though born in Lewisham, Norey grew up in Teignmouth and first picked up a rugby ball with the local team. As a teenager, he combined studying with rugby at Ivybridge Community College where he earned his first introduction to the Chiefs’ player pathway.

Identified as a fiery young prospect, Norey’s progression path was steered towards regular exposure to senior men’s rugby on loan to Taunton Titans, Plymouth Albion and later, Cornish Pirates in the Champ.

Given his Chiefs debut in a Prem Cup match against Bristol Bears at Sandy Park in October 2019, Norey has since made 33 appearances at hooker, which has historically been one of the most competitive positions at Chiefs.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “We’re excited to have agreed a new deal for Max. He has recently had some injury problems but hopefully seems to have come through that all now. We always tend to use roughly three to five hookers per season, regardless of outcomes, so having a strong front row group is extremely important for where we’d like to go.

“Max is another example of a young player who has come through our academy, knows what we’re all about as a club. He’s someone we believe can be an important part of the squad as we look to build into the future.

“I think his best rugby is still to come as he comes as part of a formidable, competitive group of hookers we’re lucky to have at the club. That group, we know, is going to be key for us if we want to win trophies in the future.”